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October 4, 2010

Chapman Acts to Protect Military Voters

Montgomery— Secretary of State Beth Chapman has made changes to ensure military voters have sufficient time for their absentee ballots to be counted in the November 2010 general election. Secretary Chapman ordered corrective measures in accordance with the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act to address those instances where, for various reasons, county Absentee Election Managers were unable to transmit Federal ballots not less than 45 days before the November 2, 2010 general election.

The new rule expands the time for processing absentee ballots by 8 days and was necessary due to the unexpected inability of some Absentee Election Managers to transmit Federal MOVE ballots 45 days or more before the November 2, 2010 general election. Secretary Chapman cautions that although the time period for receiving Federal ballots has been extended, all military and overseas voters should return their ballots as soon as possible to ensure their timely receipt.

"We will continue to work to ensure our military men and women are able to vote," said Chapman. "Those who defend democracy must be able to participate in it fully and without any barriers or hindrances. It’s the least we can do."

Chapman has been a strong state and national advocate for our nation’s military and their right to vote, including testifying before Congress on the issue. She also created and chaired Alabama’s Military and Overseas Voting Task Force.